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Friday, January 13, 2012

Best Ideas for Inexpensive, Elegant Weddings

By Rebecca Lilly

Planning your wedding can be fantastic, exciting and even a little bit stressful. The best way to reduce the stress level is to be organized in your planning. It is very important keep a clear head, listen to each other's needs and wedding ideas and discuss them together. Start with an idea of how you think your big day should look and come out. Sit down and consider how you want to remember your wedding day. Most brides to be have a general idea of a few things. Maybe you always thought tiaras were nicer than veils or you know how your hair should be or have an idea of the fantastic bouquets or bridesmaid dresses. Start with what you absolutely know you want and build from there.

Backyard weddings or at-home ceremonies with outdoor wedding receptions are very popular depending on where you live, the climate and the season. If you or a family member or close friend don't really have the room to set up and accommodate your guests and a buffet and eating area, check with local parks to see about renting a pavilion and space for an afternoon.

Planning cheap wedding receptions should also involve choosing cheap locations. For, example, if you'd like to have your wedding ceremony in the gazebo at the park, then perhaps the best reception option could be a picnic in that same park. Another easy and cheap option is of course, having your wedding ceremony in your own home. Then you can have your reception in your home as well, or out in the backyard if the weather agreed.

Cut back on the hours that the contracted band or DJ would play to save some money there. Wedding music is usually contracted for a minimum of four hours but it doesn't hurt to ask if you can negotiate for two or three hours instead and have all of the traditional dances and other events take place during that time frame. After the band leaves, you can set up your own stereo system for the remaining time when the rest of the guests would get up and dance.

Other ways where you can save money on your wedding is to purchase cheap wedding favors, inexpensive bridesmaids gifts, and discount groomsmen gifts. Giving wedding gifts to your guests and attendants doesn't give you any reason to overspend your budget. After all, it is not the cost that is being valued, rather the thought behind it. Popular ideas for homemade favors include nicely wrapped candies in your wedding theme colors, candles in candle holders (which brighten the tables during your reception and go home with the guests afterward.)